Hampton City Schools announces finalists for the Teacher of the Year for the 2026-2027 academic year

Hampton City Schools proudly recognizes the outstanding Teachers of the Year (TOY) for the 2026-2027 academic year. These dedicated educators exemplify excellence through their professionalism and commitment to the students of Hampton City Schools. Their innovative teaching methods and creative approaches make a lasting impact in our classrooms, schools, and communities. We are privileged to have such remarkable educators guiding our students toward becoming lifelong learners and achieving their dreams.

This year, we celebrated all Teachers of the Year at a special event on March 26, 2026. In addition, we honored 12 exceptional finalists—seven from elementary schools, three from middle schools, and two from high schools. These finalists will participate in an interview process with the division-level TOY selection committee, followed by classroom observations to assess their teaching practices. Their achievements will be recognized during our preservice kickoff event in August, where we will also announce the HCS Elementary, Middle, High, and Overall Division Teacher of the Year.

Elementary School Level Finalists

Erin Miller - Armstrong School for the Arts

Lauren Wilson - Bassette Elementary

Ashley Malmgren - Bryan Elementary

Ashley Velazquez - Burbank Elementary

Ashleigh Dudley - Kraft Elementary

Constance Muschweck - Peake Elementary

Deanna Russell - Phenix PreK-8

Middle School Level Finalists

George Jacobs - Jones Magnet Middle

Raven Hawkins - Syms Middle

Belynda Kirby - Lindsay Middle

High School Level Finalists

Tanisha Davis - Kecoughtan High

Mary Kelley - Adult and Alternative Learning Center/Bridgeport Academy

Full List of the 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year for each School/Department

Bianca Bemley - Aberdeen Elementary School

Mary Kelley - Adult Alternative Learning Center/Bridgeport Academy

Janice Way - Andrews PreK-8 School

Erin Miller - Armstrong School for the Arts

Katy Becker - Asbury Elementary School

Leah Wolsh - Barron Elementary School

Lauren Wilson - Bassette Elementary School

Jakelynn Ellis - Bethel High School

Ashley Malmgren - Bryan Elementary School

Ashley Velazquez - Burbank Elementary School

Constance Muschweck - Christian Elementary School

Kimberly Proctor - Cooper Elementary School for Technology

Arlene Zutell - Eaton Fundamental Middle School

Shelby Porter - Forrest Elementary School

Meryl Innerfield - Future Learning Experience (FLEx)

Anita Hill - Hampton High School

Betsy Blackman - Jackson Fundamental Elementary School

George Jacobs - Jones Magnet Middle School

Tanisha Davis - Kecoughtan High School

Curtis Blauch - Kilgore Gifted Center

Ashleigh Dudley - Kraft Elementary School

Jomara Quinones - Langley Elementary School

Belynda Kirby - Lindsay Middle School

Cynthia Reedy - Machen Elementary School

Sabrina King-Winston - Moton Early Childhood Center

Autumn Mathis - Patrick Elementary School

Molly Patrick-Swall - Peake Elementary School

Deanna Russell - Phenix PreK-8 School

Angela Dandridge - Phillips Elementary School

NaShawn Jefferies - Phoebus High School

Janise Cook - Smith Elementary School

Raven Hawkins - Syms Middle School

Rashad Wiggins - Tarrant Middle School